In an unprecedented move to bolster the agricultural sector in Kerala, the Pala diocese of the Catholic Church has inaugurated a food factory in Pala. This initiative comes at a time when the state’s agriculture sector is grappling with a potential crisis. The factory, which sources produce directly from local farmers and transforms it into value-added products, aims to provide a much-needed boost to the agricultural community.
The food factory will procure a diverse range of crops including jackfruit, tapioca, pineapple, bananas, among others, not just from individual farmers but also from farmers’ organizations, companies, farmers’ clubs, and self-help groups within the parishes. This multi-pronged approach is designed to ensure a steady supply of produce and foster collaborative growth.
The launch of this food factory aligns with the recent emphasis by Kerala’s Agriculture Minister, P Prasad, on granting farmers the right to set their own prices for their products. This move towards direct procurement is expected to empower local farmers, providing them with a fair price for their produce and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
While this initiative is a commendable step towards addressing the agricultural crisis in Kerala, it remains to be seen how effectively it can navigate the complexities of the sector. Nonetheless, the proactive approach taken by the Pala diocese serves as a model for other institutions and organizations to follow, demonstrating the potential role that collaboration can play in revitalizing the agriculture sector.
